Comment

Comment by Maya on February 28, 2012 at 3:00pm

I just started a petition to have Judge Mark Martin investigated for judicial misconduct for ignoring evidence of an attack by a Muslim on an atheist: https://www.change.org/petitions/judicial-conduct-board-of-pennsylv...

If you haven't heard about the story yet: religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/28/judges-dismissal-of-atheists-harassment-claim-against-muslim-makes-waves/

Please share this petition.

Comment by Secular Forces 2013 on February 21, 2012 at 9:49pm

whoa some international stuff there:
http://www.atheistnexus.org/video/man-jailed-for-facebook-atheism

Comment by Secular Forces 2013 on February 21, 2012 at 8:53pm

NC issue:
http://www.atheistnexus.org/forum/topics/separation-of-church-and-s...

Comment by Joan Denoo on February 12, 2012 at 10:40pm

John D, thank you for your opinion and statement. It struck me odd that you interpreted my statement as saying "other countries have political systems and politicians that are somehow more virtuous than in the US."  I have been to 32 nations of the earth and talked to women about their lives. I heard the reality of women from their own mouths around the world. There are two things I want to make clear and then I am done with this thread:

1. Women have it better in the USA because we have laws and customs that seek to protect the rights of women. Not every country has such laws. Because we do have these laws, women have better opportunities to free themselves from abuse. That said, women in the USA continue to be beaten, used, exploited and disrespected here. Laws can't do the entire task ... it take a cultural shift to hone our ethical and moral values. I assume you agree with me that some men continue to treat women disrespectfully. 

We are a nation of laws, not of men. People of different races, genders, sexual orientations, creeds, religions, political persuasion, economic status, and education levels have rights considered "birthrights." Not all countries have such laws or even such values. Well, we know how far from our Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights we have come, yet they continue to stand as our anchor and beacon. A true patriot would stand up against torture, warrant-less covered searches, invasion of our homes, involuntary servitude ... Etc. 

2. During my travels from China to Turkey, from Indonesia to Alaska, I have never been referred to as "American". When I am in a foreign country, I am often asked if I am "U.S." When I changed money, it was from or to U.S. Your experiences may have been different than mine and I respect your claim. I would expect you to respect my experiences, as well. 

Goodbye John D. Have a nice day. 

Comment by Jon T on February 12, 2012 at 4:21pm

Compassion is not excessive self-deprecation.  Furthermore, compassion is not a veil for bigotry, nor is ones bigotry proof of another being a bigot. Joan Denoo for the win.

Comment by Joan Denoo on February 12, 2012 at 3:12pm

John D, to whom are you directing your comment? If it is me, I would like to discuss your statement, " and people like you simply confirm their bias and bigotry with your excessive self-deprecation."

I do discuss the propaganda that poisons our minds and we develop beliefs that are not based on reality. Just listen to the gobbledegook that comes out of the mouths of our presidents, congress, supreme court, commercial TV, economists, politicians, and religious. Do I need to be specific? I can be if you want. I suspect you don't want to hear about the lies, distortions, propaganda, accusations and blaming that keep our nation fearful with mind-binding rhetoric. 

Comment by Joan Denoo on February 4, 2012 at 4:03am

John D. No, they didn't call me "US", they referred to me as U.S., just as they referred to British as U.K.  I guess we have to agree to disagree. Have you travelled in Europe or Asia? 

There is a strong anti-U.S.A. sentiment in very many places and for good reason. Are you not aware of the exploitation of other countries, taking resources out of other countries and leaving behind hunger and devastation? Sorry to be the one to tell you. 

If you approve of what our nation has become, the economic ruin of not only this nation, but others, then you must not have read the Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Are you not aware of supporting regimes that are corrupt?  Of turning farmland that fed people into corrupt corporate agribusiness? 

Yes, I am angry, and disappointed, and ashamed of what U.S.A. has done and continues to do. Have you not listened to the economic summit of Davos and understand what they are contemplating? Did you not listen or read about the Bretton Woods economic summit

"Economic crisis: rich countries block reform at UN summit"

BRETTON WOODS PROJECT|26 JUNE 2009

http://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/art-564772

Comment by Joan Denoo on February 3, 2012 at 5:09pm

Traveling in Europe or Asia, I was referred to as U.S., as in U.K. 
No big deal, everyone understood, when I changed money it was always U.S. currency. I never heard "American", and when I did it was as an imperialist nation. Just because "everyone" says "American" doesn't mean I do, nor do I want to. It also doesn't mean "everyone" agrees USA and America are the same. The Canadian and Mexican friends I have make it clear they are as American as USA. So, who gets my vote in this matter? I am U.S. not American. 

Trivialize? discount? put-down? Sure! That is the way Americans act toward anyone who is other. 

 

Comment by Jason Fleming on February 3, 2012 at 3:39pm

Joan, your point is completely valid and I've thought about this a lot before. We are still calling the aboriginal peoples of North and South America "Indians" based on a 500 year old misnomer. I'm all for changing it, but "United States of Americans" is a little too wordy for conversational use and "USAs" just doesn't sound right. We need a new identifier, but it won't get used if it doesn't roll off the tongue. I have a feeling we're not the first to try to crack this nut.

Comment by Joan Denoo on February 3, 2012 at 3:22pm

"American" is a problem; it implies Canada to southern S. America and everything in between. Furthermore, it implies Americans of all races and nationalities as USA citizens. It reflects the hubris and arrogance of USA population over all the Americas. 
People who are citizens of Canada, Mexico, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina, and Chile are "Americans". People from USA are USAs. 

 

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